Caleb has never gone.
In kindergarten, Jess went with him. She wore a blazer and a tie and drew a mustache on her upper
lip with eyeliner. Caleb thought it was hilarious. A few of the other mothers thought it was sweet.
The headmaster at the time, an older woman named Mrs. Abernathy, thought it was wonderful. She hugged Jess at the door and seated them at a front table.
Mrs. Abernathy retired the next year.
The new headmaster was Dr. Graham Prentiss.
This year, in April, Caleb brought home a note.
It was on heavy cream-colored paper. The academy crest embossed at the top. Printed in a formal typeface.
I found it on the kitchen island when I came in from the garden. Caleb had dropped it there and walked straight to his room.
I picked it up.
Dear Hampton Roads Preparatory Families,
We are pleased to announce our annual Father-Son Breakfast, to be held Friday, May 9, at 7:30 a.m. in the Main Gymnasium. This year’s distinguished guest speaker will be Admiral James R. Carrick, United States Navy (Retired).
